The ABRF Executive Board is proposing updates to the ABRF's By-Laws to:
- adjust the Board size to at least nine members to formally add the ABRF
Chapters representative as a full voting member of the Board
- modify the terms of Board service from a single, four-year term to a
three-year term which could be renewed for a total of two terms
These changes are designed to recognize the vital role of ABRF Chapters and
Chapter leaders within the Board and to expand the range of members willing to
consider joining the Board by reducing the Board term.
The complete version of the proposed By Laws are attached. The Board will
request approval of these proposed changes at the 2021 ABRF Members' Meeting at
the upcoming Members' Meeting on March 11.
ABRF members are welcome to pose questions or suggestions to the Board, either
through this forum or by email to <email obscured>.
Thank you for providing this forum to allow for public discussion of this
important topic. The email I received today (2/1/21) from the ABRF Executive
Board was very helpful in understanding the rationale behind the proposed
changes.
I can understand the rationale for reduction in the initial term limit to 3
years and appreciate the possibility of extension of appointment to a send
term. This can provide some continuity within the EB.
That said, I have a concern with the process for reappointment to a second
term. I would prefer that if an individual feels they would like to serve a
second 3-year term and the EB is amenable, the reappointment should be voted
upon by the membership in competition with any other nominated individuals.
The process of annual board elections should remain democratic process with
members elected/re-elected by the society membership rather than appointment
from within existing ranks.
I look forward to hearing other's opinions.
Regards,
Julie
Can you share more information on the CAAB representation at the EB level? Is
the term of this member also the same as the EB members voted in by membership?
Some chapters do not have the same term limits for their committees, some may,
and this may have also changed in the last two years. With this anomaly (if
true) how would this align with a three year term on the EB for a CAAB rep to
maintain content knowledge/alignment of chapter discussions?
I also believe the CAAB rep should be voted upon by membership, not appointed
based on the same DEI/content expertise representation concerns addressed in
the term limits of the EB member by law change proposal.
As an EB member who retired from the board after 3 years, I support the
proposed changes in the ABRF bylaws to limit the initial term to 3 years rather
than 4. This will strengthen the board in the many ways that you propose.
I agree with Julie Auger that if a second 3-year term is desired, that the
board member should compete by vote from the membership.
I also agree that the Chapter representative can be a voting member of the
board.
Nancy C. Fisher, Ph.D.
Former ABRF Executive Board member
Professor Emerita
UNC Chapel Hill
I found this post very interesting and informative. Thank you for sharing your
special thoughts with us. I definitely share this with my peeps.